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The Charitable Purpose
ACNC monthly e-newsletter
February 2025
Commissioner's Column
Trust is the foundation upon which the charity sector is built. It underpins donor confidence, volunteer engagement and the overall effectiveness of charity activities. While charities are traditionally viewed as one of our most trusted institutions, this can’t be taken for granted. Recent insights from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report reveal a slight but somewhat concerning decline in public trust across all sectors. This is not a trend specific to charities and other not-for-profits, but rather a timely reminder that people are becoming more distrustful of leaders and institutions in general.
Charity news and updates
Guidance and resources for charities
Is someone leaving your charity?
Handovers are a vital way to ensure charity continuity, proper change management and key charity knowledge retention. Our guidance can help your charity through the handover process.
Scam sense is our best defence.
The National Anti-Scam Centre has produced a range of resources to help Australians to protect themselves from scams. You can use them to share messages in your networks, such as in newsletters and on social media.
2024 Annual Information Statement
Is your charity's Annual Information Statement overdue?
The 2024 Annual Information Statement is now overdue for most charities that operate on a standard financial year (1 July to 30 June) and have not yet submitted it.
If your charity operates on a standard financial year and it hasn't submitted its 2024 Annual Information Statement, submit it now to avoid potential penalties.
For charities that operate on a calendar year (1 Jan to 31 Dec), submit the 2024 Annual Information Statement before the 30 June due date.
Answering your questions
A few of the most common questions we have been hearing from charities recently...
Q. Can my charity advocate for policy or law changes?
Yes, if it aligns with your charity’s purpose.
However, a charity should not support or oppose a particular political party or candidate as this may indicate a disqualifying political purpose.
For example, a charity advancing education should avoid flyers stating, “Vote (named party) first to support local schools,” as this may be seen as political endorsement.
Instead, it could outline the education policies of different parties, allowing readers to decide for themselves.
Read our guidance to learn more.
Q. Can my charity spend money to express views on election issues?
Yes, if the spending aligns with your charity’s purpose and does not promote or oppose a party or candidate.
For example, a charity advancing culture could fund a campaign promoting the need for government to support the arts.
Check your charity’s governing document, such as its constitution, to ensure the activity aligns with its purpose and complies with electoral laws and Australian Electoral Commission guidelines.
Resources for newly-registered charities
Charities must meet ongoing obligations to retain registration. You must notify us each time a Responsible Person (a committee or board member or trustee) commences or resigns from a position. Learn more.
Holding an annual general meeting is a good way to be accountable to your members. Read more about AGMs and view our free resources.
Stay up to date
The ACNC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and elders past and present.
